Focusing on our Members

Our members are the lifeblood of the Chamber. In order for us to accomplish the strategic objectives outlined in this plan, we must reach our full potential in terms of membership growth and financial resources. We will create a mindset among the business community that investing in the Conroe – Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce is a wise business decision. We will maintain a strong connection between the business members and their chamber of commerce.
Businesses compete in a far different environment today than existed just a few years ago. And, it is an environment where the only constant is change. The Chamber must adapt to the environment in which our member businesses reside. That environment is characterized by these elements among others:

Time Challenge. Businesses do not have the staff to commit to volunteer efforts as they once had. There is a time famine. We must create relevant programs and meeting structures that are worth time and that save time.

Generational Values. There are multiple generations in the work place. We must communicate with each one by whatever method they prefer. We must be willing to be uncomfortable on behalf of the future of the business community.

Specialization and Consolidation. More decisions are made at the corporate level. We must create programs that can be sold to decision-makers outside of Conroe and Montgomery County.

Technology. We should lead the introduction of technology where we can. It provides the mechanism for us to track investor touches, especially for investors who will provide the majority of our resources.

Return on Investment. We must determine and communicate the value proposition. How can we help our members work less stressfully, more productively and more profitably? We must be able to demonstrate how the investment is paid back. Remember, the value proposition evolves.

We will create a mindset among the business community that investing in the Conroe – Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce is a wise business decision. The new model will be built around these principles.Objective 1: Grow the membership investment, through the recruitment of new members and the retention of current members, by a net increase of 22% by December 2017.Action Step:
Adhere to the Membership Development Plan provided by The Ewart Group.Objective 2: Achieve a retention rate annually that places us in the top I0% of chambers in the country (that rate in the United States is currently 86% retention of members).

Action Step

Implement the comprehensive Membership Development Plan that places an emphasis on customer contacts so as to impact recruitment and retention in a positive way.

Survey members as to their challenges and specific needs on a regular basis.

Electronic – Constant Contact

Focus Groups

Create staff supported business councils for investor segments to open up lines of communication.

Objective 4: Conduct an update and revision of our current tiered levels of investment that permits investors to bundle products and services appropriate for their business.Action Steps:

The schedule should permit investors to choose from offerings of products and services to achieve the value they need from their investment in a bundled package.

Objective 5: Create Business Councils that segment and provide unique value to our members & prospective membersand to provide input about products and services. Possible examples of Business Councils are:

Retail Managers Council

IT Council

Non-profit Council

Minority Business Council

Homepreneur’s Council (home based businesses)

Objective 6: Develop the Area Council concept so as to actively and effectively serve our outlying communities. Utilize key individuals from Montgomery and Willis to identify and address the issues that are of importance to those particular areas.Action Steps:

Research other successful chamber of commerce area council programs:

Catawba County, NC

Spartanburg County, SC

Determine the communities in which to establish area councils.

Establish the guidelines (policies & procedures) for the area councils

Identify the men and women who will initially serve on each advisory board.